Nagpur: ‘Congratulations! You are eligible for 60% discount on full antibody check-up and free consultation,’ or ‘get antibody worth Rs2,200 done at only Rs799,’ or ‘Full antibody check-up to be sure about Covid-19’ and much more. We all have been receiving many such messages, emails and social media alerts since antibody testing for Covid-19 became popular. However, not every antibody test can make sure that you have already developed antibodies against novel coronavirus, renowned doctors and experts told TOI.
“There are two specific antibody types — IgM antibodies and IgG antibodies. Out of these, IgG are mostly found after someone has recovered from the infection. They generally start appearing after two weeks of onset of infection, and last for more than six months. So, ICMR has allowed labs to conduct the IgG antibody tests,” said hematologist Dr DR Sandeep Warghade, director of Starlabs.
In short, the fancy ‘full antibody test’ can bring out a record of all types of antibodies present in the subject but they don’t give a separate report of IgG and IgM antibodies. So, someone having IgM antibodies may get a positive result, which may give false sense of security about Covid-19.
“For IgG antibody testing, ICMR has approved only three manufacturers till now. Two of them are from foreign countries and one is from Gujarat. These kits are specialized and hence cost more. But, general antibody tests are cheaper,” said Warghade. Only select labs in Nagpur have these kits.
Dr Vinky Rughwani, vice-president of Maharashtra Medical Council, said that wrong sense of security from Covid-19 can bring surge in infections. “IgG antibody test for Covid-19 is the best way to know whether you have been infected and cured on the basis of your own immunity. Testing positive in this means you are already cured and now safe. But, specific IgG test must be done. We have noticed that some labs are using this to make money and conducting general antibody tests,” he said.
Human immune system produces antibodies to defend itself from an infection. If a person gets infected with Covid-19, immune system produces specific antibodies. Only IgG antibody test can detect these antibodies. In Nagpur, divisional health department is conducting antibody tests of 2,500-plus people in different localities to get an idea of Covid-19 spread. Initially, 6% results of antibody tests are positive.
Ask For IgG Antibody Test
- It’s a serological test — means test is on blood samples
- Sample of blood is collected by either a finger prick or with a needle
- It examine proteins in bloodstream
- It finds out whether an individual has been infected with Covid-19
- It can give results in under an hour
- Cost differs between Rs950 and Rs1,500 — as per lab, kits etc
- Allowed in Maharashtra at registered hospitals and labs
“There are two specific antibody types — IgM antibodies and IgG antibodies. Out of these, IgG are mostly found after someone has recovered from the infection. They generally start appearing after two weeks of onset of infection, and last for more than six months. So, ICMR has allowed labs to conduct the IgG antibody tests,” said hematologist Dr DR Sandeep Warghade, director of Starlabs.
In short, the fancy ‘full antibody test’ can bring out a record of all types of antibodies present in the subject but they don’t give a separate report of IgG and IgM antibodies. So, someone having IgM antibodies may get a positive result, which may give false sense of security about Covid-19.
“For IgG antibody testing, ICMR has approved only three manufacturers till now. Two of them are from foreign countries and one is from Gujarat. These kits are specialized and hence cost more. But, general antibody tests are cheaper,” said Warghade. Only select labs in Nagpur have these kits.
Dr Vinky Rughwani, vice-president of Maharashtra Medical Council, said that wrong sense of security from Covid-19 can bring surge in infections. “IgG antibody test for Covid-19 is the best way to know whether you have been infected and cured on the basis of your own immunity. Testing positive in this means you are already cured and now safe. But, specific IgG test must be done. We have noticed that some labs are using this to make money and conducting general antibody tests,” he said.
Human immune system produces antibodies to defend itself from an infection. If a person gets infected with Covid-19, immune system produces specific antibodies. Only IgG antibody test can detect these antibodies. In Nagpur, divisional health department is conducting antibody tests of 2,500-plus people in different localities to get an idea of Covid-19 spread. Initially, 6% results of antibody tests are positive.
Ask For IgG Antibody Test
- It’s a serological test — means test is on blood samples
- Sample of blood is collected by either a finger prick or with a needle
- It examine proteins in bloodstream
- It finds out whether an individual has been infected with Covid-19
- It can give results in under an hour
- Cost differs between Rs950 and Rs1,500 — as per lab, kits etc
- Allowed in Maharashtra at registered hospitals and labs
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